Questions and Answers
What does Social Penetration Theory primarily focus on?
Who developed the Social Penetration Theory?
Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor
Self-disclosure is at the core of relational _________
development
What is the primary process involved in Social Penetration?
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What does the term 'trajectory' refer to in this context?
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Depenetration refers to the enhancement of a relationship.
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What is meant by transgression in relational terms?
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What is the 'Stranger On The Train' phenomenon?
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What does public image refer to?
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What is reciprocity in the context of interpersonal relationships?
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What does breadth mean in relational terms?
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What is meant by breadth time?
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What does depth signify in the context of relationships?
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What is reward-cost ratio?
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What constitutes the orientation stage of social penetration?
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What characterizes the exploratory affective exchange stage?
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What happens during the affective exchange stage?
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What defines the stable exchange stage?
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What does dyadic uniqueness refer to?
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What are the limitations in the context of Social Penetration Theory?
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Study Notes
Social Penetration Theory (SPT)
- Explains the evolution of interpersonal relationships through gradual and predictable phases.
- Emphasizes self-disclosure as fundamental in transitioning from superficial to intimate relationships.
- Contextual framework is interpersonal; follows socio-psychological tradition; utilizes post-positive paradigm.
Founders
- Developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor, focusing on relational closeness and intimacy between individuals.
Key Assumptions
- Relationships evolve from non-intimacy to intimacy over time.
- Development is systematic and predictable through various stages.
- Includes concepts of depenetration (relationship decline) and dissolution.
- Centrality of self-disclosure in fostering relational growth.
Key Concepts
- Social Penetration: The process of deepening the connection within a relationship.
- Trajectory: Pathway followed to achieve closeness between individuals.
- Depenetrate: Refers to the gradual weakening or deterioration of a relationship.
- Transgression: Acts that violate established relational norms and expectations.
- Stranger On The Train: Phenomenon where individuals disclose personal information to unknown persons in public settings.
Relationship Dynamics
- Public Image: The initial outer layer of self that is visible to others.
- Reciprocity: Mutual exchange of self-disclosure and openness between partners.
- Breadth: Refers to the range of topics discussed in a relationship.
- Breadth Time: The time invested in discussing various subjects in a relationship.
- Depth: Indicates the level of intimacy associated with the topics of conversation.
Relationship Stages
- Orientation Stage: Early stage involving minor personal disclosures.
- Exploratory Affective Exchange Stage: Personality begins to emerge through deeper conversations.
- Affective Exchange Stage: Characterized by comfort and spontaneity among partners.
- Stable Exchange Stage: Involves complete openness and a high degree of honesty.
Unique Relationship Features
- Dyadic Uniqueness: Refers to the special qualities and characteristics that define a particular relationship.
Limitations of SPT
- Limitations include the scope of the theory and its heuristic value in explaining relational dynamics.
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Description
Explore the Social Penetration Theory (SPT) which outlines the stages of interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the role of self-disclosure. Developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor, this theory explains how relationships evolve from superficial to intimate. Understand key concepts like social penetration, trajectory, and depenetration in this insightful quiz.